MGP 2

Studying Cultural Variations of the Same Narrative

Directions: Choose one of the poems from the link given below, and compare and contrast to how the poem is relatable to a fairytale you have read.  Whether it’s a classic fairytale from your childhood or even nothing you’ve heard of before, write a 1-2 page paper as to the similarities and differences between the poem and the tale or how this poem is unlike any fairytale you have read before.

Next: Create your own poem that goes with the poem you have chosen.  It can either be a prequel or a sequel, but must incorporate elements from the poem such as plot and characters.  Keep in mind the rhyme scheme should be the same as well.

Here’s the link: http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/poetrylist/fairy_tale_poems/

(http://www.teachingliterature.org/teachingliterature/poetry.htm)

MGP 1

         11/18/11

            I’ve often wondered what it could take for students to be actively involved in writing poetry, not only for teachers as myself to grade, but for them to enjoy.  In my experience, students that I have taught seem to despise the infamous poetry unit.  They view the lessons as pointless, confusing, and generally put limited effort, if any, to understanding the poems.

            After conferring with some of my fellow colleagues, I have gotten a few ideas as to what might make them excited about poetry and get more involved.  One option that seemed popular was to create a class poem, with each member of the class writing their own line.  This would be a way to make sure each student would have a specific say into what goes in the poem, as well as being more entertaining to see what each other comes up with.  Another idea which was suggested to me was having one student in the class read a poem allowed each day.  It must be a poem that has a special meaning to them and explain why it is so.  This would captivate the class, and make them more interested into hearing about their classmates prospective on poetry.  Lastly, a more “hands on” activity would be to assign the class into groups and have them record a short play while making sure to use every line from a poem of their choice, in the script.

            I am thankful for my colleague’s help in this aspect and am becoming eager to test these ideas out with my classes. 

( http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/85)

Conference

For tomorrow's conference, I want to focus more on the idea of history and poetry?  I'm actually more curious as to how in depth I can go, without losing focus of how to teach the actual writing.